Photokina 2012: Interview - Dirk Jasper of Nikon

Nikon has had a busy year, launching several new products including two full-frame DSLRs, the 36MP D800 and the enthusiast D600, which offers a 24MP sensor. In a week when Canon announced its own affordable full-frame camera, the EOS 6D, Barnaby Britton caught up with Dirk Jasper, product manager for professional imaging at Nikon Europe, to get his opinion on the competition, as well as some more detail on Nikon's newest - and cheapest - full-frame DSLR.

Dirk - is the D600 the new D300S? In other words a bridge between your DX format DSLRs and high-end full-frame?

It's hard to compare the D600 to the D300S. I see this camera sitting between the D7000 and D800, which are closer to the D600 than the D300S is. It has a decent resolution - 24MP full-frame - and we've included some of the features of the D7000, in terms of accessibility, and the scene modes and so on, but also we have D800 technology like the HDMI output, uncompressed video recording, the metering capabilities, which are adapted from D800 and D4-level technology. The D300S is a different concept. It's a semi-pro DX system camera and [the D600] is an enthusiast camera. So really we're talking about two different types of product.

We expect to get some upgraders coming to the D600 from the D300/S, though, also D80 and D90 users, we have received a lot of positive comments from them. They are considering entering the full-frame system with the D600, because they think it's good value for money, it's something they've been waiting for, because the D700 was out of reach when they bought their cameras. The D600 can process information twenty times faster than the D700. It has double the pixel count, the color range and the dynamic range is better…

The AF system is taken from the D7000 - have you made any changes?

Yes it's the same module, but there have been refinements, especially in terms of the sensitivity. With this camera you can focus at a combined aperture of F8, which isn't possible with the D7000.

Is that because the AF array occupies a smaller area of the image circle in the D600? So there's no light drop-off towards the edges than there might be in the D7000?

No, it's really the internal technology itself, which has been changed. This is something new that has been developed for the D600. Thirty three out of thirty nine focus points can offer AF down to F8. This is incredibly good for an enthusiast camera.

The Nikon D600 offers a 24MP CMOS sensor, high-end video recording cabanbilities and a 39-point AF system (inherited from the D7000).

The interface is a cross between the D7000 and D800, and all three cameras share the same battery. You can also mount DX lenses on the D600 for 10.5MP capture.

What are the challenges in putting all this technology into an enthusiast-level product?

That is something you should ask the engineers! I think the melding of proven, existing technology and new, or recently-introduced technology was very difficult. To find the right balance. That was one of the hardest things. Incorporating technology into a new product is not such a big thing, but to find the right balance so it still hits the target price point, so it's affordable, that's the key.

How important is video to your target audience for the D600?

Not so important for 'classic' photographers, but we see a huge community out there, a group of customers that we have not addressed really before the launch of the D4, the D800 and now the D600. These cameras are now being used by the video broadcasting community. For the first time this year we attended a major broadcast conference in Holland, and we had really positive feedback, people were waiting for us to go there. The D800 was used to film the UEFA championships in Sweden, among others. We're entering new markets now. Dexter is now filmed on the D800, too, it's broadly accepted even in a field where we really never intended it [to compete].

How many enthusiast photographers will shoot uncompressed HD footage?

I don't know, I can't tell you. I think it is becoming more popular though. There will always be people who concentrate on stills, which is absolutely fine of course, but a camera is there to offer opportunities. Not to say 'you must go there' but to say 'you can, if you want to'. That's the idea.

The D600, like the D800 and D4, does not feature focus peaking. Why not?

Currently, no, we don't have an in-camera solution. If we're talking about 24MP capture, and 36MP, any minor focus offset is more noticeable than it might be on a 12MP camera, no question. Working in video, where focus peaking is used most, working at open apertures focus can be an issue. But there are solutions for the problem. If you're serious, there are external recording options like the Ninja from Atmost, this works really well with the D600 and it offers focus peaking, zebra-ing, everything you might want.

But the D600 and D800 are not video cameras, they are still cameras. They have outstanding video capabilities, so we get a lot of requests for extra features but it takes research, it takes development, we have to do this step by step. For us, video is a new space. I'm not saying no, but I can't say whether we can provide focus peaking in a firmware upgrade or not.

When Canon introduced the 5D Mark II, there was some surprise that its video capabilities ended up being so popular. Were you surprised?

No. We were not. Video creatives came to us very early asking when were going to have something for them.

What's your opinion of the Canon EOS 6D? You must have been looking at it pretty closely?

I cannot really comment much on competitive models, but if you look at the concept of the 6D, I think Canon has a different approach to us. With the D600 we are really concentrating on the photographic features and we're trying to give the best photographic package that we can. We've seen a lot of cameras with full-frame sensors released in the past ten days but my feeling is that all of them - the 6D, Sony's A99 and RX1 - all have a different approach, and represent a different concept to ours.

We are really concentrating on delivering something for the photo enthusiast - so for example it was important to include a 100% viewfinder, a good AF system with enough cross-type AF points, the ability to shoot with teleconverters and still focus at F8, a built-in flash… also, you can use the D600's flash as a commander in Nikon's Creative Lighting System. That is we've been asked for by our customers. And our 'want to be' customers.

Canon's answer to the D600, the 20MP 6D, offers a slimmed-down feature set compared to its big brother the 5D Mark II but offers compelling features like built-in GPS and WiFi.

Ergonomically the 6D is a cross between the APS-C 60D and the full-frame 5D II, but the fixed screen and lack of built-in flash might surprise some Rebel upgraders.

Which of your customers were you thinking about when you first sat down to plan the D600?

We were really thinking about applications, not what a specific owner of another camera might want. So landscape photographers for example who want 'real wide angle' and feel that APS-C isn't the best solution, that was one of the main audiences we had in mind. The D600 is a full-frame FX format camera that is easier to carry around than the professional models in our lineup, but it's still weather-sealed, for use out in the wild.

Are you selling more D600s body only, or with a lens?

I don't know yet, we only just started to sell the camera this week but I expect initially we will sell more cameras without a lens. We know there are a lot of lenses out there, enthusiasts already have lenses that they can use with the D600, and they want to test these existing lenses before they buy new ones.

The D600 has an automatic DX crop mode that will let you shoot at 10.5MP with DX lenses. Do your customers actually do this?

I don't know, I don't have that information. But it is important for us to maintain that compatibility, and that's why we have the automatic DX crop mode when a DX lens is mounted. This year we reached 70 million Nikon lenses produced, and maybe say, 40 million of those are compatible with the D600. At least. This is an amazing number and I think this is a core benefit of the Nikon system - you have a future-proof, and long-reaching ability with all of the Nikon lenses.

Even second hand, or refurbished, a good lens is still worth its price, ten or twenty years later. Especially for enthusiasts, backwards and downwards compatibility is very important. Once you invest your money in a system it must be safe. You must get value for money.

Comments

I have always been appreciative of your concept of not just shunning legacy customers.

When shooting press back in the 90ies I was truly delighted to find out that my venerable Ai(S) primes could still be used with my newly acquired F4 and its superior TTL flash-metering.

Now I would be truly delighted if you would just put a capable modern DX-sensor (20-24 MP, superior high-ISO and excellent DR) plus the EXPEED 3 processor into the tried and tested D300(s) body while retaining its other semiprofessional features (high fps, 51-point AF, ultra-solid build).

Call it whatever you want, I'd preorder it on its very announcement...

I have both D800 and Nikon V1, among others, and I love the V1, especially being able to reach to 270mm with the 10-30mm, not to mention what I can do with the FT-1 adapter. It isn't a FF body but it takes some terrific photos. So as far as I'm concerned (in binary at least) the 1 is indeed a 1.

Nikon 1-series was passable despite it's lamentable lens line-up until Sony launched its 1-inch sensor RX100. Nikon 1-series does not look all that good now, especially when value for the $ is a consideration.

This interview reflects a very good approach towards their customers by Nikon, including respecting the wishes of owners of legacy lenses - talk of long-term commitment in opposite to ever-faster "innovation" cycles and planned obsolescence. Congratulations - in fact if I'd not be invested in a Canon full frame system already, I'd seriously consider returning to Nikon completely today (having been a Nikon user in the film era for some time, but I wasn't completely happy with their AF bodies and some of the lenses back then).

Good design approach maybe, but only in this bracket. Which is why comment on the 1 system would have been interesting. Nikon is missing a huge opportunity there, because they seem incapable of realising that the same high regard for what photographers want would make the 1 system a must-have for many. Come out with a Z1 that does all the good things too, with the lenses that photographers actually want, and they will sell boatloads to guys like me. Can it be that difficult?

I completely agree with you there dorff. How ever much I'm fond of my DSLR system, many a time I wish I had a more compact, much lighter camera system with similar image quality. I know there's the 4thirds and Sony's NEX mirrorless systems available, but I'd prefer something similar from a professional company like Nikon.

Sadly as a Canon fan boy ( but I still have a Nikon FM from 1979) I have to agree - the 6D is yet another nail - unless it become real cheap (unlikely) Nikon will continue to eat away at Canon's market share. I feel this began with the D3/ D700 - pretty well until then Canon AF & high ISO was often better - now the tables have turned and Nikon continues to produce features that would help me take better pics - like a 39 point AF - not silly rubbish like built in GPS... a very depressed Canon owner....

Specifically for the niche market I work for, hair stylists, and contests as Contessa, Mirror Awards or Naha, we absolutely need everything in-focus, absolutely no bokeh.

For that matter, I use D300s where DX (and f/11 .. f/13) helps to have absolutely crisp images. Some of my colleagues tried to obtain it using 5D Mark II, but even at f/16 there are part of the images that wasn't in focus, and over f/16 you began to loose crispness.

Since I can make fine quality A2 prints (ie. 60cm wide) from my D300, I am not in the market for any more pixels or even an FX camera. Many of those who trade up to the latest have more money than sense. You just do not need that kind of quality unless you are a professional and want A-5 size prints The "-" is a minus sign. Get the point?

No need to upgrade d300/300s it's clear to me that Nikon are relying on the d7000 and upgrades of that to do the job... The only thing to my mind it's smaller in the hand... I was reliably informed that the 7000 was a better camera than the d300s in any case... For the amateur enthusiasts it's clear to me that Nikon are pointing you to use d600 and upward from now on... Get your wallets out for new lenses guys to take advantage of full frame!

Regarding focus peaking, this is a BIG DEAL to MF lens users, even if video is not involved at all. It's very nice that the D600 can do AE with AI-S lenses; but AE obviously does not eliminate the need to FOCUS. And if the D600 follows earlier models, there is still no USEABLE MF focusing aid. A dim, flickering dot low in the viewfinder is total bleep. BTW, focus peaking is not the only solution. I would be very happy if Nikon would just BRIGHTLY light in-focus AF points, when in MF mode. That has GOT to be an easy firmware upgrade, and has been for years. But still nada. It may sound like a conspiracy theory, but what excuse could there be for leaving out focus features so simple, cheap, and valuable? I can only think of one: Nikon would still like credit for supporting older lenses, so they offer up AE (on higher end bodies). But they don't actually want to detract from new AF lens sales, so they cripple MF focusing ability. How about DPR calling them out on this, Barney?

I did, actually (I have edited down my original question to keep things concise). Dirk's response is above. Nikon sees this function as primarily a video tool, but they're not ruling out adding it to the feature set.

Hi Barney, Thanks for a good interview, and for your courteous reply to my comment! As you can tell, I feel strongly about the MF focus aid issue; and I hope DPR will bring it up prominently in the D600 review. IMHO, being able to focus is an essential CAMERA tool, and not "primarily a video tool." I might also point out that back in the days when camera bodies had only 10 or so "features" (vs. the present day 1000 or so), FOCUSING ability was one of the 10. So I would argue that a useable MF focusing aid is not just #1001 in an long list of superfluous features; it's an ESSENTIAL feature. Thanks again, and happy shooting, Ed

lighting up a focus point as it hits focus in MF would be a fantastic feature - I have a drawer full of MF FF lenses from my film days, the 600mm f8 Cat lens in particular is real pig to focus. The D800/600 can detect focus on it owing to their great f8 focus ability, but like Old Ed says, squinting at the green dot really does not cut it.

Nice but not necessary.....I have been shooting the D300 since it was introduced. I use the AIs primes and macros when shooting fixed objects and my AF pro zooms when shooting things that move. This is perfectly acceptable and it is seldom that the green dot fails me. I cannot imagine a manual focus situation where I would get a good focus hit rate on moving targets. I was hoping for the green dot with arrows like the pro backs. I'll know in a day or two just how good the new view finder and low light focusing is as my D600 arrives today.

Sony are going to try everything to turn their poor shop around for them - I've used this focusing aid from Sony and in my opinion it's not what's it cracked up to be its a gimmick and it got in my way... Nikon have faith in their lenses to focus correctly, those users that have manual lenses, the classics, well that's what they are Manual focus lenses and users will not want to have an auto focusing tool will they?

i´m not sure what focus peaking would be like on an slr with an OVF. if i´m using the lcd on the d800 then i´m on a tripod and use the zoom buttons for focus which works perfectly. also i´m not a fan of these annoying red lines in my image.for video, it´s a different matter, but if you can´t focus your mf lenses through the OVF you sould go check your glasses.

Hi Jaybird1x, It sounds like you have never used an MF lens with a really good focusing aid. (The classic aid towards the end of the film era was the split-image with microprism surround.) Try one, if you get the chance, and you'll see what this "thread" is about. And consider this: Before AF lenses became practical in the mid to late 80's, ALL (focused) photos were MF. And there were plenty of successful captures of moving targets during that first 100 years or so of photography. There would have been a lot fewer such captures if photographers had been taking their eyes off their subjects to look for flickering dots. IMHO, there is no good reason that cameras can't provide MF focusing aids in 2012 that are as good as the ones produced 25 years ago. YMMV, of course. Happy shooting, Ed

Hi Tape5, Thanks for your comments. It was really quite lovely "back in the day," to concentrate on the image itself, and not worry about sRGB, or AF error corrections, video codecs, compressed vs. uncompressed RAW, etc., etc. Of course the modern equipment also has its charms; but simple elegance isn't one of them. It would be nice if someone offered cameras that tried to produce a simpler, cleaner, more effective tool by seriously culling unnecessary digital gimmicks. Perhaps Fuji is going down that road. Happy shooting, Ed

Hi Old Ed,You are right I have never used MF lenses with an aid since my film days. But I shoot birds in flight and 5 yr old grand kids with AF glass that is almost as good as the primes. At 70 AF is just so much easier than trying to twist a focus ring. Now if I get into video with the new D600 and use my MF lenses than a focus aid may be a good idea. But I think I would probably move to something like the Ninja 2, I think it's called.

Sony gets it. The same NPFM500H battery has been used (or compatable with) the A100,A200,A300, A350, A450,500,550,580,A57,A65,A77,A850,A900, and A99 DSLRS for the last 6 years.More makers ought to do this I think, it does make a difference of pleasing the consumer.

Yes Sony does get it it means the body of the camera will have to remain the same size 'cos of the battery! No you have to move with the times if a smaller battery is available with the same output then fit in the camera... That's the way it goes. Do you remember the first mobile phone with the battery on a shoulder pack! What would it be like if we kept to the same size battery then to now even if it did a decade of usage...!

The SLT-A33/A35/A37/A55 all share a smaller battery. As you say, that allows the body size to be reduced and everything seemed right, but then since many people already have chargers, backup batteries, accesories using the same type of batteries, etc, people complained about the change, even if that means a reduced size body. That's why Sony went with the bigger battery on SLT-A57. They still use the smaller battery size for the entry level SLT and NEX-series (excluding FS, EA and VG series)

I have been shooting the D300 since it was introduced and will have a D600 today. As I think about it I was hoping for a choice between a D400 and D600. However, a point made in this interview speaks to the difficulty of matching a feature set to a price point. It seems that 10+mp on the D600 in DX mode will perform better than the D300 all things considered. And for $900 more 15mp in DX mode on the D800 will certainly satisfy the D300 crew. Now that I have looked at the D600 manual I am really wondering if there will ever be anything like a D400. I would not be surprised to see DX SLRs disappear to be replaced with something mirrorless in the 24mp iso 6400 space. With all the competition this is rough space for the market planners.

i think a d400 replacement will be announced after enough upgraders have bought the d600. they are always introducing the bigger model first so the early adopters can´t choose the cheaper option. and once you´ve gone FF you´ll most likely never go back to dx.i think it´s another 2 years until a mirrorless with f-mount. if it comes at all. but since the guy in the interview has been going on about lens compatibility they might just pull it off. if they do they will rule the photography world.

FP - they mean that when you put a lens whose maximum aperture is f/8, the d7000 will not autofocus. This is usually the case when using teleconverters. Think of an f/4 lens with a 2x teleconverter on it. The d600 will still allow you to focus with this combo, which is really nice for wildlife photographers!

He explains a bit more later. Since you lose field of view when going full frame (on the same lens), you often try to get some back with a teleconverter. But a 1.4x teleconverter adds 1 stop and a 2x adds 2. And since you often need to stop down one or two stops to recover sharpness, you end up at a combined aperture of f/8.

Which does not AF well on the D700. But it will with the newer FF bodies.

When the maximum available aperture is f/8. For instance if you use a 2x teleconverter with say the 200-400 f/4 lens, you end up with a maximum available aperture of f/8 instead of the f/4 that that lens supports without the teleconverter.It does not refer to the fact that lenses can be stopped down to f/8, i.e. you choose a setting of f/8 for the lens.

Kim, that's not what they mean at all for the f/8. It's not about stopping down. You can stop an f/2.8 down to f/8 and it will autofocus just fine. The aperture blades don't actually close down to f/8 until the shutter is released. So when you are looking through the viewfinder, the lens is always set to the largest aperture (therefore letting in the most amount of light for autofocus). Hope that makes sense!

A 2X TC on an f/5.6 lens makes it f/11. You get f/8 by adding a 2X TC to an f/4 lens or a 1.4X TC to a f/5.6 lens. nikon does not make any lenses slower than f/5.6 hence the reference to "combined aperture".

All Nikon's Auto ISO function exept D800 (at last) doesn't take into account current focal length. DPreview has mentioned this several times in their reviews. Auto ISO function was much more clever in Canon cameras, and only D800 is good, even somehow better then Canon's

The Nikon sales blurb ( http://chsvimg.nikon.com/lineup/dslr/d600/pdf/d600_20p.pdf )indicates Auto ISO is somewhat like the D800(not clear if 5 settings or just dummied to less useful 1/focal length):"Auto ISO with auto minimum shutter speed controlWhen using the Auto ISO feature*, the D600 automaticallycontrols your minimum shutter speed based on the focallength of the lens being used. This can be very helpfulin reducing camera shake by raising ISO sensitivity, andparticularly advantageouadvantageous when shooting with a zoom lens."